More than half-a-million Australians with severe breathing difficulties from chronic lung disease will have the price of a life-changing drug slashed.
The Turnbull government is listing inhaler Trelegy on the PBS for those with moderate-to-severe obstructive pulmonary disease.
It will mean instead of paying $1200 per year, patients will pay a maximum $39.50 per script from Friday.
Concession patients will pay $6.40.
Health Minister Greg Hunt says the condition is the second most common cause of avoidable hospital admissions in Australia.
It is also a leading cause of death and disease burden after heart disease, stroke and cancer.
"Six hundred thousand Australians will have access to medicine which otherwise they might not, that will literally make a profound difference to their quality of life," Mr Hunt told ABC TV on Sunday.
Australians with type 2 diabetes will also have access to Trulicity for less than $40 a script from June 1, saving patients about $1700 per year.
Simponi will be listed for Australians suffering from ulcerative colitis, saving them around $15,800 per year.
While about 500 patients with Stage IV clear cell variant renal cell carcinoma will be able to access Cabometyx, which without the subsidy would cost around $129,800 a year.
